The Boor, by Anton Chekhov
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Popova has decided to seclude herself from the world. The appearance of the country gentleman Smirnov, who demands the payment of 1200 Rubles that the deceased owed him, swirls up the situation. A battle of interests has now inflamed between Mrs. Popova and Smirnov which both insist on winning. If words won’t do the trick, then two fine pistols and a duel might just settle the matter.
1 woman / 2 men – ages mid-40’s and above
Spring Dance, by Horton Foote
Set in a garden adjoining an asylum ballroom on a clear Texas spring evening, Annie Gayle Long opens Spring Dance with the simple observation: “it’s a lovely night for a dance, isn’t it?” Refusing to dance because of her husband’s impeding arrival, Annie and the three asylum mates spend the remainder of the night reminiscing of home and excitedly planning what they will do when their loved ones come and take them home. However, as the evening unfolds and the dance continues, we, and finally they, are met with the harsh reality of their condition: that the isolation they’re faced with is final.
“…a literate, touching play.” —NY Times. “Foote reaffirms his abiding gentleness with tender people caught in tough situations…this Home is a lovely place to visit.” —NY Post.
1 woman / 3 men – adults